Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Osaka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Osaka?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Osaka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Osaka $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Tickets With Meal and Transfers : $98
- Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
- Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi APT-HTL(AUH): $56
- Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $61
- Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
- Tickets to Global Village with Private Transfer: $95
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City : $58
- Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
- Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Osaka to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- TeamLab Botanical Garden Ticket and Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Osaka $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Osaka $20
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Osaka, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Osaka is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Osaka, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Osaka?
Osaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Abu Dhabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Osaka. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Osaka. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Osaka. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.